If the long security lines, pricey plane tickets and social media posts from friends abroad didn’t give it away, travel is in full swing. Referred to by some industry professionals as “revenge travel,” we find ourselves making up time and experiences lost as a result of the pandemic by traveling more than ever before. Maybe you’ve got travel plans on your personal calendar as well, in which case you’ll need to invest in some of the best luggage that’s designed for ease, maneuverability and good looks (which, on a practical note, sets it apart from other bags on the carousel).
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Whether or not you plan to travel in the near future, purchasing durable luggage serves as a lifetime investment, fulfilling your travel needs for years to come. Over time, luggage companies have expanded into sustainable missions, sleek designs and functional shapes. Reliability and style are rolled (no pun intended) into one thanks to the latest luggage collections available. With suitcase in hand, you’ll be ready to say hello to exciting travel adventures ahead.
Paravel’s Extended Stay Bundle presents you with the power players of the brand’s collection. Paravel is quickly becoming known for its sustainability efforts with luggage featuring recycled polycarbonate exteriors, aircraft-grade recycled aluminum handles, vegan leather details and recycled zippers. With the additional travel cubes included in this set, the Extended Stay Bundle is crafted from a total of 52 post-consumer plastic water bottles as well. You can also add monogramming for $25 for an extra personal touch.
For those who can’t resist a chic marble print, Calpak’s luggage will have you swooning. With options that come in both a white and black marble design detail, their stylish carry-on will have you excited to tote your belongings through the TSA check and beyond.
Minimalist hearts, rejoice! Dagne Dover’s carry-on duffle is well-suited for expert packers. If you prefer to be hands-free when navigating the terminal, the adjustable shoulder strap is perfect for your needs. Spacious enough to fit all of your necessities and designed with durable materials, it’s the ideal addition to your travel essentials.
Monos’ limited edition print, titled Terrazzo, is inspired by the material of the same name, as well as a combination of classic Italian villas, 1920s Art Deco architecture and modern design. Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell, you won’t have to worry about scuffing the beautiful design when you tote the Carry-On Pro to your final destination. Featuring a front compartment for easy access to your essentials, the design is outfitted with room for a 15-inch laptop, TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels and vegan leather accents, and it still fits in overhead bin of almost any flight in the world.
Bric’s is an Italian heritage, family-owned brand that has been hand-crafting travel bags and fine leather goods for sixty years. The stunning design details are timeless, with the ability to transport one back in time to a classic Italian summer under the Mediterranean sun.
Away’s luggage has arguably become one the most popular choices among travelers today. With a modern, sleek design and a handful of color options to choose from, it isn’t hard to see why. Its durable polycarbonate hard shell, 360-degree spinner wheels and included laundry bag ensure that your traveling needs are met with one simple purchase.
Tumi has solidified itself as a trusted, go-to name for high-quality luggage. The Latitude suitcase is the brand’s most durable (yet lightweight) case yet. As a result of its SRPP BALLISTIC material, the outer shell has the ability to bend and flex in response to its surroundings, so your mind can be at ease knowing your luggage will remain damage-free. Designed with long trips or shared packing in mind, the Extended Trip Packing Case is worthy of the investment.
Globe-Trotter’s luggage is handmade in England and crafted from the highest quality materials. The iconic luggage brand has been favored by the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, David Beckham and Emma Watson. Rooted in heritage, yet designed for the future, the Globe-Trotter legacy has solidified itself as one of the finest traveling goods on the market.
As convenient and capable as it may be, traditional rolling luggage struggles whenever you leave the airport, which is why a do-it-all bag like Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel comes in handy when you need to go the extra mile. As its name implies, this gear bag swallows clothing and essentials with ease, and its surprisingly nimble despite its size. If you’d prefer not to carry it around like an overweight gym bag, simply deploy the integrated backpack straps to create a hands-free experience. Ripstop fabrics defend against moisture and withstand even the busiest luggage belts, while daisy chains and side pockets give you more options to organize your gear.
When the time comes to invest in new luggage, we rely on expert advice, independent reviews and personal experience before making any recommendations. We also take into consideration the factors that separate one piece of luggage from the next. These include not only common variables such as size, weight, build quality and features, but also how you intend to use the luggage and what you’ll be carrying. As a fully remote company, we ask our staffers what they look for in new luggage and what’s most important to them. By compiling all this information, we’re able to provide a talented, robust range of options for your specific needs.
The luggage landscape, for lack of better phrasing, has drastically evolved in recent years. As a result, we find ourselves with more brands to choose from than ever before, which makes it all the more difficult when the time comes to invest in new luggage. With that in mind, some of the best suitcase brands include well-known, classic labels like Travelpro, Samsonite and Tumi, as well as newcomers like Away and Paravel. Choose from these brands, and others in our roundup, to discover luggage that’s durable, capable and stylish.
While luggage carousels around the world are still overflowing with soft-sided bags, hard-shell options are quickly gaining popularity. When deciding which type of bag you’ll need, consider what you’re carrying and where you’re going. Soft-sided bags are great because they flex and compress, making them a suitable option for the overhead bin or the storage space on a bus, though the material wears over time and might rip. Hard-shells, on the other hand, protect fragile contents that could break or become damaged in transit, but the material could scratch or scuff easily. What’s right for you is simply a matter of personal preference.
When the time comes to pack for an international trip, consider where you’re going and what you’re doing before packing your bags. Hard-shell luggage maintains its shape and often embraces a set of wheels, making it a suitable option for urban travel to cities. Soft-sided bags come in handy when you’re exploring more remote destinations where space is limited and rolling luggage won’t always function as it should.
If you really want to master international travel, consider investing in carry-on luggage to avoid luggage fees and eliminate the risk of losing your bag in transit. Doing so will force you to evaluate what you’re packing in greater detail, but it will also reduce any hassles or headaches when you’re far away from home and only looking after one bag.